Lydia's Lunch Bunch

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some Gnarly Head Grateful Dead Cabernet Sauvignon. It's 13.5% ABV and is bursting with layers of black cherry and floral violet with a jammy finish. We're pretty sure Mark will be buying a case on the way home. Get Truckin' (see what we did there?) over to your local Roopers and pick up your 750ml bottle for only $9.99! Oh, and Happy National Croc Day!

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Director of Engagement Sam Herriot joins Mark and Pam to talk about her role, recap Taste the Harvest, and the benefits of Chamber membership. She also covers some upcoming events including the Shop Local Marketplace and Stuff the Bus!

EcoHeat Maine + NH co-owners Addie Adams and Frank Damon join Mark and Pam to talk about the family-owned business and something everyone has on their minds - heating their homes efficiently. EcoHeat Maine is a leading installer of high-efficiency heat pumps and mini-split systems and take pride in providing accurate quotes, informed product recommendations, clean installations, and dependable customer care.

Libby, Liss, Maggie, Karly, and Stella join Mark and Sara to talk about the Lost Valley Competition Program (LVCP) which has supported over 600 youth in accessing snow sports and provided lessons and coaching to over 230 kids. They also share details on the 4th annual Snow Ball, happening Nov. 7 at Lost Valley. The fundraising event aims to contribute to the funding of scholarship opportunities, equipment, competition fees, coaching, and more.

It's Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some New Belgium Brewing Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force/Fruit Punch IPA. After reading comments from other reviewers, let's just say they were...pleasantly(?) surprised(?). It's 9.5% ABV and you can get a 19.2 oz. can at your local Roopers for only $2.70!

Drop-In Center president Craig Tribuno, vice president Greg Whitney, and volunteer Jennifer Grace join Mark and Sara to provide a bit of history on the place where people experiencing homelessness and those in need can access resources, rest, rejuvenate, and replenish.

KP's Place owner Keith Genest and manager Adam Teft join Mark and Sara to talk about 15 years in business specializing in seafood and chicken. They also share share details on the restaurant's growth which includes new hires, new branding, and a food truck!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some Baxter Brewing Oktoberfest and you might as well just have them fitted for lederhosen. Pick some up at your local Roopers today - It's 5.5% ABV and is best enjoyed with friends and family while sharing a meal of grilled brats, chewy pretzels and smoked meat (while listening to your favorite podcast).

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. They chat with new Chamber members Erin Benson of Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board, Amethyst Poirier and Tina Babcock of Rinaldi Energy, John Englebert of CAVU Payment Solutions, and Shanna Cox of Project Tipping Point!

The Community Little Theatre opens its 87th season with "Cabaret" on Oct. 16! Justine Wiesinger and Roger Philippon join Mark and Sara to talk about the Tony Award winning musical and share details about their characters and theater careers. Cabaret runs through Oct. 25 with evening and matinee options. Get your tickets at https://www.laclt.com/

It’s a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some Fireball Torch’d Vanilla! It’s a toasty, sweet spin on the classic Fireball flavor and packs a punch at 33% ABV. It's available for a limited time at your local Roopers. Get your 20ml bottle for only $4.99!

"Your Friend in the Car Business", Frankie Campbell of K&R Auto Sales, joins Mark and Pam to talk about a great month of sales, sweet deals on low mileage trucks, and some personal stories of what shaped his work ethic and positive outlook on life.

Main Street Music Lessons Owner/Operator, Steve Grenier and Teacher, Ryan Spooner join Mark to talk about their violin audition workshop, performance mindset preparation, a bit of Maine Street Music Lessons history, and much more!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Sara sample some Beverage Tasting Institute World Wine Championship Gold Medal Winning Stella Rosa Moscato D’Asti! It's a sweet treat with flavors of ripe pear and apple and only 5.5% ABV! Pick up your bottle at your local Roopers today!

Wishes in the Valley organizers Larry Roy and Dave Bishop join Mark to recap the Aug. 8 event which raised an incredible $115,070 for Make-A-Wish Maine! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees, Wishes in the Valley was able to grant 13 Wishes! Mark your calendar for the 3rd annual event on Aug. 7, 2027 at Lost Valley in Auburn!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample Baxter Brewing's new Apple Ale and, WOW! It's crisp, refreshing, and full of green apple flavor! At 4% ABV, it's very quaffable and you can get a 12-pack at your local Roopers for only $20.99! We did some mathing and that's just about $1.75 per beer!

Performance Consulting Services Founder/Owner Emily Gospodarek joins Mark and Sara to talk about her business which helps leaders build the clarity, consistency, and trust that turn everyday effort into strong, steady performance. She also shares details on The Joyful Performance Model and free consultation!

The Strainrite Companies' Human Resource Manager Heather Smith and Workflow Coordinator Erin Westbrooks join Mark and Sara to talk about the inner workings of the Auburn-based company. Strainrite has designed and manufactured an extensive selection of top-quality liquid filtration products for over 47 years.

Auburn Manufacturing, Inc.'s Executive Assistant and Project Manager Shelly Webster and Textile Engineer Kade Kneeland join Mark to talk about their roles and the culture at AMI. They also preview Manufacturing Month and how manufacturing can be a rewarding career.

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's Brewing Connections at Schooner Estates! They chat with Ryan Captures Life's Ryan Donovan, Payroll Management's Pat Penley, the Chamber's Susan Ruhlin, and WGME 13's Tyla Davis.

Special Olympics Maine Special Events Manager CC Pelletier joins Mark and Pam to talk about the organization that provides 16 sports to over 5,000 athletes statewide. She also provides details on the Law Enforcement Torch Run, volunteer opportunities, and the Sep. 21 Tee It Up Golf Scramble at Martindale Country Club in Auburn!

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Susan Ruhlin joins Mark to talk about some exciting events including Brewing Connections, a Red Maple Audiology ribbon-cutting, Music Bingo with Uplift LA, Taste the Harvest, and more!

Internationally touring and award-winning singer, songwriter, musician Eli Lev returns to the Lunch Bunch studio to share some memories, insights, and live music! The Indie Folk Poptimist and "Global Ambassador of Good Vibes" treats us to "They Say", "I'm Here for You", and "Where We Come From". Be sure to catch him live at one of his Maine shows through Sep. 20!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some BeatBox Blueberry Lemonade which combines the taste of fresh blueberries and zesty lemons with 11.1% ABV. There’s over a dozen flavors and you can get your 16.9oz Beatbox at your local Roopers for only $3.99! Plus, things that were supposed to be huge, then totally flopped…like Zima and 3D movies :)

Fairlawn Golf Course Director of Marketing and Event Planning Kolby Banker joins Mark, Pam, and Tim to talk about the gem of a golf course that has been part of the Poland community since 1963! He also talks about his new role and some great upcoming events including live music, Trivia Nights, and a New Year's Eve Party featuring live music from Fire in the Hole!

Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins and Andwell Health Partners Donor Engagement Specialist Kristen Filbeck join Mark and Pam to talk about Autumn Night Out, happening Saturday, Sep. 12 at Poland Spring Resort! The "Diamonds Are Forever" theme will include cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner, live music, and a variety of additional activities. Funds directly contribute to the support of end-of-life care for hospice patients and their families.

As he approaches his two-year anniversary at K&R Auto Sales, "Your Friend in the Car Business", Frankie Campbell joins Mark and Pam to talk about some great deals on the lot and new friends made along the way.

Norway Brewing Co. owner Charlie Melhus and brewer Cory Nicholson join Mark to reflect on 10 years of great food and delicious beer, including their best-selling "Mr. Grumpypants" oatmeal stout. Cory also covers the 'glamour' of brewing and Charlie offers advice to aspiring brewers/restauranteurs.

It’s a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some On the Rocks Blue Hawaiian and whoooooo, they nailed it! Get your 375ml bottle at your local Roopers for only $13.99! Plus, they chat about the 10 rudest things you can do at someone else's house.

New Beginnings Executive Director Chris Bicknell and Director of Development and Community Relations Zakk Maher join Mark and Pam to talk about the nonprofit which has been serving runaway and homeless youth and their families since 1980. Be sure to register for the New Beginnings Golf Classic on Sep. 19 at Apple Valley!

Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME) Executive Director John Lewis joins Mark and Pam to talk about his unique career path, MAME's history and membership services including business development, manufacturing career connections, and networking and events.

Maine gubernatorial candidate Rick Bennett joins Mark and Pam to talk about why he's running for governor, what he's learned from his statewide walking tour, and what attendees can expect at his Town Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Nutty Nettie's on Court St. in Auburn.

Nightmare on the Ridge's Cory Nicholson (aka Punx the Clown) gives a bit of history on his career as a haunt actor, how the industry has evolved, and how he and his crew are ready to bring your worst nightmares to life at Wallingford's this season. Opening Night is Sep. 19 and tickets are on sale now!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Sara sample some Bota Box Dry Rosé - You can grab two at your local Roopers for only $8! Plus, Sara recaps her first 48 hours as a 50-year-old, Mark's server forgets his job, and the interwebs don't think Maine is a fun state. What?

Comfort Angels founder Mary Dempsey and administrative assistant Vickie Rucker join Mark and Pam to talk about their group of local volunteers who craft handmade items to bring comfort to those in need. Dempsey founded the group in 2018 as a way to support cancer patients, military veterans, and others. This year, the Angels have donated over 1,800 items.

Panolam Surface Systems Director of Operations Steve Thurlow joins Mark and Pam to talk about the Auburn company that has been providing the largest selection of integrated surface products for over 70 years. Panolam employs over 260 people and is committed to sustainability and giving back to its community.

The Strainrite Companies Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Matthew Lapoint, joins Mark to talk about his family's company that was founded by his grandfather in 1978. Strainrite designs and manufactures top-quality liquid filtration products used in just about every industry: paints, coatings, inks, beverages, biopharmaceuticals, electronics and more.

Auburn Manufacturing founder/CEO Kathie Leonard joins Mark to talk about launching her first business at age 27, taking China to court, preparing for a presidential visit, the future of Auburn Manufacturing, and much more!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam crack open a 19.2 oz can of White Claw Hard Seltzer Watermelon flavor - You can pick up two cans on sale at your local Roopers for only $6.58! Low carbs, low sugar, gluten free, and only 5% ABV. Plus, insults so clever you may not realize you're being roasted :)

We take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Breakfast! Mark and Sara chat with new Chamber members Andrea DiMolfetta of Merchantics, Dianne Tilton of St. Martin de Porres Residence, and Emily Gospodarek of Performance Consulting, LLC!